Mel K

The value proposition of The Arch is that it is low maintenance:  it's almost always open, prices are pretty low, food and coffee are decent, and the service is always friendly and efficient.  And you can come here for any length of time, for any pre- or post- event and you won't be looked at askance.  They've got gelato too - good for after dinner at one of the other Stanley Street restaurants.  There's also a great old-school vibe here with old Italian guys sipping espresso and various weathered neighbourhood types gossiping away.

Being American, I've been looking for a good place in Sydney for fro-yo (i.e., frozen yoghurt to you Ausssies), and here it is! Open late, and in the heart of the restaurant & bar area in Darlo, Wowcow is perfect for a little sweet top-up after dinner, or before going out. I had the passionfruit and it had an incredibly fresh, crisp, REAL taste. Plus the staff and manager were super-friendly. I'll be back.

The Randwick Ritz manages to provide movies, good service, and decent facilities at the prices that I think movies should be.  Plus, it's right at the heart of The Spot, with lots of restaurants & bars around for pre- or post-movie nibbles & bevvies.   

The Winery by Gazebo, like it's sister spot in Elizabeth Bay, is an excellent place to come for cocktails - especially in the afternoon, as the place gets glorious light.  The pear crumble cocktail in particular is dangerously good.  The food and service are good, though not necessarily distinctive.  Great for a group.

I love the concept of an inexpensive, clean, functional, but no-frills hotel.  Unfortunately, I found Formule 1 (Perth Airport) to be only barely tolerable as it reeked of bad disinfectant and cigarettes.  The lack of lifts (I was on the 3rd floor) and the bad lighting & dubious-motel paint colour compounded it (things I could have forgiven otherwise).  What's more, the price was OK but wasn't ridiculously cheap.  I found the whole experience unpleasant, and won't be back.  

I went to Bill's the other day with an friend from overseas and found the renowned Bill's breakfast to be as good as ever.  So many delicious options, from the corn fritters to the scrambled eggs to the ricotta hotcakes with divine honeycomb butter.  The only problem with Bill's, really, is that it's too popular - so on weekends, it's a bit of a hassle (especially with kids).  But weekdays, especially if you can swing a naughty late breakfast, are fabulous.

I am so excited to have discovered a great place for Vietnamese baguettes in Sydney!  If you have never had one:  they are a fresh baguette filled with some kind of protein + Vietnamese salad of carrots etc. + dressing.  And Taste does a superb version:  the bread is perfectly fresh - crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside; the fillings are fresh and the salad crisp; AND it's very well-priced.  I can't wait to go back.

Based on Marzipan's suggestion, I gave Spring Hill Beef Hampers a try to source meat for a Friday BBQ - and what a success, on all fronts! The beef was delivered with no hassle (they called the day before to tell me what time it would arrive) and the meat was absolutely delicious.  I'm now a convert to grass-fed beef and will be ordering from Spring Hill again.  The only downside is that you do need to order quite a bit if you want to avoid a delivery charge; however, it's all vacuum-sealed, so will last awhile in the fridge. Keep reading »

Time to Vino is an intimate restaurant with an upstairs bar.  The wine list is extensive, and I loved that there were lots of wine available in smaller sizes (by glass or half-bottle).  My overall experience here was good, without being stand-out; now that going out with hubby requires a babysitter, I'm not sure I'd be back to the restaurant though I think I would come back for the bar.  Not for any negative reason, but rather because the place didn't inspire passion in me. Keep reading »

The tarts at Black Star are truly delicious and while pricey, they are worth it. They're attractive too and a great option for a dinner party dessert.  The shop itself was packed when I went there on a Sunday afternoon, and I found the service to be fine, but lacking warmth.  I'd be back though - not for a cafe experience, but to pick up some divine dessert...

Peter and his crew at The Prince Consort's Shoe Shine do a fabulous job of making leather shoes look new, as well as being invariably friendly and helpful.  This is the only shoe shine place I'm aware of in Sydney where you can get the shoes you are wearing shined (that is, now that his shop in the QVB has closed - boo!).  Whenever you're in the CBD, stop by Peter's for a shine!

The breakfast here is excellent - particularly the herb & feta omelette - and the coffee is good.  The service is always welcoming and just the right degree of attentive.  I've been for lunch too, which is also good.  I feel bummed for them that the cycleway construction has put a fence around them for months, making it look as if the place is closed (it's not).  Hopefully that will be done soon and they'll get more exposure.  

The soup dumplings here are to-die-for and are a food fixation of mine.  Other big pluses:  quick service, efficient & fair seating system (though queues are long at peak times), super-clean (you can watch the dumpling making!), and very friendly to children - they'll bring bubs a little bowl & cup & spoon and often coo & chat if it's not too busy.  Come here any chance you can!  A tip:  arrive late - e.g., 2pm-ish to get quick seating.

My first experience at Stanley Street Station was underwhelming, despite its light-filled corner location and the friendly & competent table service I received.  The disappointment was the food, which seemed to me to reflect a lack of attention to detail:  the "roasted tomato" had been barely cooked on a grill; the toast wasn't really toasted; the sausage was cool and overcooked.  It's too bad, as I want to like this place - I like the idea of a spacious, casual eatery in the neighborhood.  Perhaps it was an off-day - it was Sunday, after all. Keep reading »

The food at Indochine is consistently excellent - in fact, I'm addicted to their spring rolls & vermicelli dish, so I try to plan lunch meetings to take place here.   The other advantages:  food comes out super-quickly, but is still totally fresh (e.g., crispy spring rolls), enough of a restaurant setting to have a proper lunch (doesn't feel like those bland CBD cafes), and reasonable prices.

The Australian Museum has lots of good exhibits that will entertain kids - from crocodiles to birds to dinosaurs and more.  The exhibits also have engaging interactive elements.  And on Thursdays at 10:30am and 11:15am, there is a story time & activity session for under-5s in their special child-proof Kidspace - a good activity to distract a toddler, especially on a rainy day...  Admission is free for under-5s, so you're only out your own ticket - not too bad.

Kinokuniya is my favourite bookstore as it has a huge selection and, in particular, has a great crime section with most of the classic crime novelists that you can't find elsewhere.  There's also an excellent selection of children's books.  The whole store is very well laid-out, so it is easy to find things, and they have an easy to use computer if you are looking for more specialized non-fiction books.  They also have a range of Japanese stationery & gifts, a really big Japanese & other Asian languages section, and a cafe. Keep reading »

I love Fratelli Paradiso - for the warm, buzzy atmosphere; the delicious lasagne; the low hassle factor; and despite the less-than-warm service.  They are quirky:  they're closed on Saturday nights - what restaurant closes on Saturday nights?!,  the menu is only in Italian (and thus requires translation), the lasange is only sometimes on the menu even though it's almost always available, and the wallpaper changes often.  But I always enjoy it.  It's a great place to come with a few friends to chat and laugh over good food and wine. Keep reading »

I'm always impressed with Norton Street Grocer:  the fruit & veg are always good quality, they've got a good selection of other meal-making items (cheese, paste, olives, deli meats), the place is easy to navigate, and service is friendly and efficient.  Whenever I'm near Leichhardt, I stop by to do my shopping here.  Another plus is that it's in a little shopping centre with two hours of free parking, and that also has a Coles, AC Butchery, a bakery, and a post office, so you can take care of multiple errands at once.

I'm addicted to Leona Edmiston dresses:  so flattering, perfect for so many occasions, and comfortable.  Yet the prices are often high, so I typically wait for sales...but now I've discovered the Vintage boutique.  New dresses are way way discounted as they are from previous seasons (but given the classic styles, who cares?); there are also some "pre-loved" dresses that are ridiculously cheap (I got one for $40, in perfect condition).  Lots of shoes and handbags and other accessories too.  Another plus:  it's down the end of Balmain where parking is easy...

Bambini Trust feels like an oasis in the CBD, with its warm, intimate atmosphere.  The food is nice, and the people-watching at breakfast in the restaurant is great fun.  But the wine bar is my favorite - a great place to come with one or two friends to have a chat over nibbles & wine, or for a date.

This is a lovely little salon that is perfect for waxing & facials.  It is pleasant and clean inside and staff are friendly and professional.  They do a good job with waxing; what I like most, though, is their professionalism with respect to booking appointments and being organized (which is strangely rare in salons).  Only downside is it is a bit pricey; though in the usual range for Sydney beauty salons of this sort.

Love Una's! Who wouldn't? (If you're a meat-eater that is.) The schnitzel is always yummy, and the place has a fun, casual vibe. The portions are huge, and the place is great value for money.

Kakawa is an absolutely divine chocolate shop! Located in a somewhat unlikely spot, on William Street near Bourke (right around the corner from Miss Chu), Kakawa has fantastic chocolates, and ridiculously good hot chocolate. Also pleasing is that they have a wide selection at many price ranges - from the higher-end truffles (packed in lovely boxes) to plain bars of chocolates, chocolate-covered shortbread, meringues, and caramels. The two owners are wonderful too - so friendly and welcoming. I'm now back all the time, as I can't stay away from the hot chocolate..i

Pratten always has a beautiful selection of wallets and small handbags in a huge range of leathers and fabrics, and occasionally other accessories as well. They used to have amazing shoes as well, but sadly their shoemaker is not around anymore... The items are tasteful & stylish, well-made, and generally good value as well. A great place to come for gifts.

I'm normally suspicious of international chains as food & environment typically lack personality, but I've become a convert to Le Pain Quotidien: the baked goods are consistently good, the praline spread is to-die-for, and the Surry Hills shop is pleasant and spacious. The Surry Hills location is great for business coffees (lots of space and fairly quiet) - or for parent coffees (room for strolllers + ramp access). Only qualification to my generally positive view is that I've found the service to be spotty: usually very friendly & efficient, but occasionally disorganized.

Puntino makes fantastic wood-fired pizzas with thin crust and quality ingredients; they're absolutely more-ish, and I need to prevent myself from ordering from them too often! I highly recommend the Bada Bing (salami, olives, and more), the veggie pizza (hearty & tasty), and - surprisingly to me - the potato pizza, which has thinly sliced potato with just a little truffle oil (only if you want it). Pastas are also very good. It's a warm & friendly local spot; the perfect place for an informal dinner date or get-together with friends - or for takeaway. Keep reading »

Agree with mrimat about the efficiency - it's a relief to go to a cafe where things happen quickly. However, I am not a fan of the food, and find the atmosphere a bit too cafeteria-like.

Absolutely delicious gelato! Whenever I am even sort-of nearby, I make a trip here. The gelato is so flavourful and yet light-tasting; it is addictive... I love the chocolate chip. Open late, so perfect to stop by after dinner.

This is a fabulous bar, the perfect place to come with a couple of friends or on a date. There is an extensive cocktail list (the Lotus martini is a destination drink) plus yummy nibbles available, and the service is exemplary, with knowledgeable barstaff that achieve the fine balance of friendly but not pushy. Best of all is the ambiance: intimate, comfortable, and stylish without being high maintenance.

Miss Chu describes itself as "The Queen of rice paper rolls" and their rolls are indeed delicious, as is everything else that I have tried at this clean and welcoming takeaway stand (and catering HQ). Ingredients are obviously high-quality and the food is fresh. They're open for lunch and dinner, which is great, and apparently cater - which makes we want to have a party so that I could use them! Their "hawker stand" location is really designed for takeaway, or maybe a very quick bite with a friend on their little stools on the sidewalk - definitely not an eat-and-linger type place. Keep reading »

Yes, the food and coffee aren't the greatest - but where else can you go with more than one stroller and not feel anxious the whole time about taking up too much space/the roaming toddler/the baby crying, etc.? It's the perfect place to come if you've got little ones - and want to meet a friend who also has kids too. The playground right next door, and lots of open space, means that your kids can generally roam & be entertained while you have a much-needed coffee. Keep reading »

Despite Babies Galore having a reliably wide selection of baby needs and toys, I try to avoid it as I have found the service inconsistent and the prices high. Plus, the different branding and 'feel' of the two stores I've been to (Randwick and Camperdown) I find strange. All-in-all, it means that while I'm generally sure I'll find the product I'm looking for, I'm never quite sure what kind of customer experience I'll have: smooth and helpful or terse or unavailable.

This is a good spot for takeaway pizza: the 'za is very tasty, and the service is efficient.

Fantastic setting with decent food and adequate service. This is a great place for breakfast or lunch or coffee...even in cloudy weather, the location - overlooking Clovelly beach - is fabulous. And parking is better than most beachside cafe locations in Sydney. I've found the food better than I expected - it's not the reason to come here, but it's pretty good; the service I've found just OK - nothing stands out either positively or negatively.

Beautiful, stylish cards, invitations, & photo gifts + a great website + fast service + good prices = top marks all around! I ordered birth announcements from Tiny Prints and was so impressed with how well-designed and easy-to-use their website is and their selection of cards and stationery. The prices are very good as well - even including shipping to Australia (their shipping price seems to bear some relationship to the actual cost - rather than the profit-grab that many others' seems to be). And finally, the cards arrived quickly! I'll definitely be back. Keep reading »

A great pub with a mellow, comfy vibe...but I've found service a mixed bag. The place itself has an intimate, old-fashioned feel, and drinks are inexpensive. One could easily while away hours here, either in the cozy indoor area, or the outdoor seating (I certainly have). What's particularly great is that there are NO pokies here! (Sign quoted above.) I've found service to be adequate, though not stellar by any means. Nonetheless, it's one of my very favourite pubs in Sydney. Keep reading »

Great selection and prices, generally helpful staff, crowded aisles. I think of JB as a 'no frills' sort of store: I go there because I'll generally find what I'm looking for, and trust it will be at a good price, but accept that the cost for that can be distracted and busy staff and long lines at the register.

I found the Christmas gift I was looking for here at a good price and the staff member, David, who assisted me, was super-helpful: he clearly explained the product and options for purchase (different packages), got the item that wasn't in stock in that store to be brought in that day, and gave me helpful tips about setting it up. I'll definitely be back for any future gaming purchases.

Delicious pastries, high prices, variable service. Sweet Infinity has some fantastic baked goods - the flourless chocolate cake, financier cake, and chocolate croissants stand out.  I've found service variable:  excellent from the owner and some staff, and surly from another staff member.  They will do custom orders - and did an incredible chocolate & orange cake for me.  The bakery is small, so more of a place to drop in and pick up breakfast, lunch or snack, rather than linger (though there are a few seats). Keep reading »

The (Italian) food here is lovely and the menu broad and uniformly tempting, but the service leaves much to be desired: (1) they don't take reservations, so you take your chances with a long wait...and it is often crowded, so a wait is almost inevitable; (2) they don't offer to call you/notify you, so this generally means you are waiting in the very crowded 'bar' area - which is really the throughway for the groceries going to and from the storage room; (3) I have found staff several times to be either (or both) brusque, acting as if they are doing ME the favor, or somewhat clueless/delay Keep reading »

Excellent online shopping, even though the in-store experience can be variable. The online shopping site works very well, with a better interface and search ability than Woolworths', the prices are competitive, and I've always gotten my deliveries on-time and by someone friendly.  

Good internet banking and many locations, but I have trouble believing this 'pillar' is on our (the customer's) team, despite their advertising. My experiences with them have been mixed: some people have been friendly & helpful, others haven't, sometimes waits are short, other times they're long. More fundamentally, their policies don't seem to be customer-oriented: for example, exception fees used to be ridiculously high (and only changed after the flurry of bad publicity), and the way payments are posted is opaque to me - and seems somehow to often generate bad results. Keep reading »

THE best sandwiches. Once you've been here, all other sandwiches will pale in comparison... Worth the walk from the CBD; if you venture here from town, you'll see other refugees escaping those pale, over-priced food court sandwiches. Best sandwiches include: #4 (chicken schnitzel); #19 (egg salad & crispy pancetta); #24 (roast beef, caramelized onion, horseradish cream).The coffee and snack items are good too. Service is friendly & welcoming. Keep reading »

Toby’s makes great coffee and has several tasty food items; the interior is warm, and relatively comfortable, and the staff are always friendly. Yet I can’t give them the highest possible rating because of the cafe’s unpredictable service – specifically, the highly variable arrival (and sequencing) time of one’s order. All too often (at least fortnightly, and I go to the cafe at least 3-4x per week), food and/or coffee is significantly delayed. Keep reading »

GU Health has been a model of efficient, competent, and friendly customer service; indeed, all my interactions with them have been so easy that I've barely noticed them: I've gotten through immediately to a phone representative, the reps have been able to answer my questions/solve my problem, I've easily found the forms I need, and all claims have been paid quickly and with prompt dispatch of explanatory documentation. The only reason to not rate them five stars is that I've never had to test the limits of their service. Keep reading »